Sheriff’s Deputies Shoot And Kill Wild Cow In Wildomar

WILDOMAR (CBS) — A rogue, runaway cow was shot dead by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies after it jumped a fence, ran into traffic and began charging people Thursday.

Deputies were called to assist personnel from the Animal Friends of the Valleys, which provide animal retrieval and enforcement services for cities in southwest county, around 12:50 p.m. to contain a cow that had gotten loose from a property in the 23600 block of Bundy Canyon Road.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Patrick Chavez, the Animal Friends volunteers were having trouble corralling the bossy bovine and needed deputies’ help.

Chavez said the animal had jumped a fence and ran into traffic just before sheriff’s personnel arrived. He said deputies blocked the road to prevent any motorists from being put at risk.

The Animal Friends volunteers attempted to tranquilize the cow without success, according to the sergeant.

“The cow began charging across the field toward Bundy Canyon, nearly trampling personnel on scene in an attempt to escape,” he said.

In order to prevent the cow from reentering traffic and endangering lives, the order was given to shoot the animal, Chavez said.

I’m sure all police departments have trained personnel capable of lassoing rougue cattle on a moment’s notice…smh. Aside from having to find someone with the skills to do so, sign the reliability forms, procure payment, etc., when an animal is threatening lives, waiting for a cowboy really isn’t in the interest of public safety.